A framework for scabies control.

Scabies is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) that causes a significant health burden, particularly in disadvantaged communities and where there is overcrowding. There is emerging evidence that ivermectin-based mass drug administration (MDA) can reduce the prevalence of scabies in some settings, but evidence remains limited, and there are no formal guidelines to inform control efforts. An informal World Health Organization (WHO) consultation was organized to find agreement on strategies for global control. The consultation resulted in a framework for scabies control and recommendations for mapping of disease burden, delivery of interventions, and establishing monitoring and evaluation. Key operational research priorities were identified. This framework will allow countries to set control targets for scabies as part of national NTD strategic plans and develop control strategies using MDA for high-prevalence regions and outbreak situations. As further evidence and experience are collected and strategies are refined over time, formal guidelines can be developed. The control of scabies and the reduction of the health burden of scabies and associated conditions will be vital to achieving the targets set in WHO Roadmap for NTDs for 2021 to 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Glutathione, glutathione supplements, and the skin: The basic facts

Glutathione (GSH) is a naturally produced tripeptide composed of glutamine,glycine,and cysteine. GSH has several important metabolic and regulatory functions in our body but it is most popular for its antioxidant role. Oxidative stress states such as chronic diseases or low protein levels can deplete intracellular glutathione. Glutathione levels may be increased by correcting any protein deficiency, administering glutathione supplements or other precursors, usually by oral or intravenous routes. Glutathione supplements are generally considered safe to administer either intravenously or orally. Dermatologists need basic knowledge about glutathione supplements need to be scientifically studied by dermatologists before these supplements become part of our therapeutic options.

Breastfeeding-related skin problems, knowledge, attitudes and practices on breastfeeding among mothers in Barangay Batasan hills, Quezon City: A cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVES:To determine the prevalence of breastfeeding-related skin problems as well as the knowledge, attitude and practices on breastfeeding among mothers in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City.    METHODOLOGY: This is a cross-sectional study conducted at the Superhealth Center in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Included in the study were women of reproductive age who had breastfed at least on child in the past or who were breastfeeding at the time of the survey. An exploratory phase was conducted to determine the extent of the problem. Data gathered from this phase helped in the formulation of a questionnaire. A cross sectional survey was then conducted to determine the common reasons for breastfeeding, the average number of children being breastfed by the participants, the frequency and duration of breastfeeding per child, the hygienic practices of breastfeeding women, the prevalence of breastfeeding-related skin conditions, health seeking behavior of those who experienced the skin conditions, and the common reasons for discontinuation of breastfeeding.    RESULTS: Ninety-four women participated in the survey. The most common reason for breastfeeding given was, "breast milk is good for the health of the baby" (59.6%). Most of the women learned about breastfeeding from their mothers (41.5%). Most of the participants were able to breastfeed one child (43.6%). The average time spent for breastfeeding one child was three hours per day. Most of the mothers used damp cloth/cotton balls (38.3%) or tepid water (34.0%) to prepare their nipple prior to breastfeeding. Majority of them (72.3%) did not experience any breastfeeding-related skin problems. Among the 27.7%, who experienced skin problems, nipple cracks or fissures (15.0%), breast engorgement (10.6%), and nipple pain (4.2%) were the top three reported skin problems. None of the respondents discontinued breastfeeding due to breastfeeding-related skin problems. A minority of interviewed women (7.0%) discontinued breastfeeding because they were unable to express milk.    CONCLUSION: The proportion of women with breastfeeding-related skin problems in Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City was 27.7%. More than half of those who experienced such problems still continued to breastfeed without any intervention. There was a low rate of discontinuation of breastfeeding (7.4%) among the participants of this study. This finding may be due to the prevalent support of the respondents' mothers and relatives as well as the active promotion of breastfeeding by the local health units and centers in the barangay.